5 Reasons Why I Prefer The Soft Top MX-5 Over The RF

[@gazorpazorp9798]

This guy is hard selling me my midlife crisis car. And it’s super affordable. Thanks Jason!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Go for it! Life is short! YOLO. Whatever people say to encourage bad behavior!

[@zainlilani3408]

What he said. Do it! You can't go wrong here!"Do or do not. There is no try." - THE Yoda

[@EPgeek]

I can so relate.... except my "midlife crisis" is more due to not being able to afford a car like this.

[@MrJorgie73]

I got my midlife crisis car last year - and yes it is the ND soft top!!!

[@moalabs]

as others said - go for it. i've got myself nb miata as midlife crisis car "just for one season, maybe two" and i'm still driving it five years later ;)

[@HeleneBJean]

I am a grandmother in Canada and I subscribe to your channel! I learned to drive on back country roads in a push button start Corvair back in the 60s. My dad sold cars and was a car enthusiast and I inherited his passion. Just want to say I love listening to your technical but easy to follow explanations on every topic surrounding automobiles. I'm sure your mom is proud of you. P.S. I'd like to know what you think of Scotty Kilmer. He's not as techie and sharp as you for sure but he appreciates a good thing I think. Keep up the good work dear

[@karoliskazlauskas1213]

Жак Морозов lol

[@misamisatv]

The way Scottie Kilmer purses his lips at the end of each sentence bothers me. :P

[@EVsSuck777]

Жак Морозов Nah the old man is just deaf lol he’s a veteran

[@100rats2]

@@om606channel wtf 😂

[@briantruck2284]

Both good channels

[@bonob0123]

2020: he buys this car. Money where his mouth was.

[@TheLeewi98]

That hardtop looks so much sexier

[@michaelsmith9308]

Yes the top up its sexy-------- HOWEVER, i just starred at one parked next to my tiny car-and DAM that was even sexier than my car with a soft top! The car regardless of top or not is just a CHICK MAGNET PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stevenf927]

But sucks as a convertible.

[@hagbard72]

Don't agree at all.

[@RC-bz6uq]

YASSS

[@eldenboi8354]

@@hagbard72 It does dude like opinion or no its much better looking in a hard top config

[@TheCPUmeltdown]

I picked up the RF earlier this year and prefer the hard top for both its looks and functionality. Though the driver side blind spot issue was REALLY annoying, solved with a little convex mirror.

[@dougefresh2208]

I always like the look of softops more just because you can tell it's a convertible from a distance.i feel like just knowing it's a convertible makes it the more interesting car

[@SupraSav]

@@dougefresh2208 Agreed, I do spend a moment longer staring at a convertible. The paint matched hard top checks all the boxes in the aesthetic department, for me. Especially in the dark mica blue.. I'm in a trance looking at that colour. The soft top is very lack luster in appearance. Not nearly as sharp looking as the RF, imho. Soft top would be the better track car, for sure.

[@Theo-le6po]

I think Mazda is to be congratulated on still producing a small, lightweight 'British' sportscar. The argument over which is best all comes down to personal preference. I believe you can weight up the options to all eternity. My advice would be to purchase one within budget and enjoy the car for what it is, whether it is an NA or ND. Happy motoring...

[@fortheloveofnoise]

If it came in British Racing Green I would buy one tomorrow.

[@DragonSlayer43781]

I think everyone in the car community needs to read that. Cars are a personal purchase. People seem to forget that and need to prove that their car is better.

[@SLAMTRON]

@@fortheloveofnoise Have you ever heard of Finger Paints?

[@danielwingmx]

I absolutely love your comment. That’s the attitude! Thanks for sharing

[@SupraSav]

I don't enjoy soft tops because they all look like trash in 3 years and everyone ends up getting a removable hard top that you cannot remove while driving, anyways!!! If I was getting an MX5 purpose built track car then I would definitely go soft top. If I live in the city where someone having a bad day could slice my soft top for an easy opportunity at looting - I would rather avoid that altogether with a hard top. Not to mention paint matched hard top, not some cheap black thing?? Don't mind if I do..

[@FJB8646]

My 2013 has the original soft top and still looks great! It’s all in how you care for them.

[@austina4189]

I'm 6'7 and took driving school in a miata. Don't ask how

[@alansmilealot]

Austin A if you don't mind me asking, how?

[@acchaladka]

marc with style baby, with style. Yeah.

[@pepsiman1367]

Austin A God bless your soul.

[@jcherrax]

His foot was hanging out lol

[@nthgth]

I'm guessing with the top down lol

[@BladedAngel]

Is by chance the Hardtop more aerodynamic than the soft top? Just curious.

[@MattGreenland]

Of course. A rear wing on a convertible like an S2000 or Miata really needs a hardtop for it to function well.

[@aventador1253]

Bladed Angel helloooooooo

[@danielpushmin7178]

But bladed, where´s the miata?

[@Arielxx01]

The difference in Cx is about 0,01 less for the hard top, so no that much difference, but i have no idea what difference does it to rear wing

[@worltrader5948]

Soft top rips

[@pitis2flie]

It also depends on the prospective owner’s situation. If you’re only looking for a weekend toy I think the soft top is the obvious choice. But if you’re looking for a daily driver year round car I think the RF is probably the way to go.

[@oneeyedlittleman]

I have as aggressive an nd as you can get stock (club with all the nice to have performance goodies except recaros) and I 100% disagree, you got them flipped. The advantage of daily driving a Miata is the quick access to the outside. Just put the top down with 1 hand and enjoy your otherwise boring drive. Put it up when it makes sense to avoid hazards. These cars were designed to always be wide open every day. Choosing an rf cuz you want a quiet ride or privacy means you’re looking for the car to do something it wasn’t meant for. As a weekend stunner tho, specced out rf all the way. It looks stunning. It’s just a much more compromised car for people who expect do it all cars. Anyone crazy enough like me to daily a Miata knows that it’s a sacrifice no matter what you do and that type of crazy person is probably gonna be passionate and want the best driving experience.

[@SunSunSunn]

​@@oneeyedlittleman i will say i originally got the rf in California and appreciated it a lot more when I moved to Kansas city for med school cuz it snows there. it has better insulation than the soft top, imo

[@Rodrigomezcua]

@@oneeyedlittleman I have the RF as a daily but I live in a rainy and cold place. Like almost every day rain type of place. I wouldn't daily a soft top here, but I take the hard top every time the weather gives me a break

[@r.i.peperoniiiiroh9625]

@@oneeyedlittleman i live in europe i disagree with you we need to park our cars outside under trees so then a mx5 soft top is a no go because then each year we could buy a new top while with the RF it is metal no worries at all we also live in the city where theft is an issue so having a hardtop is better since they cant cut through that with a knife.

[@ag4allgood]

@@r.i.peperoniiiiroh9625 You clean & fabric guard the soft top its better than the extra weight of the RF. Security ? Break your side window I'm inside your car faster than cutting thru the roof on a soft top !

[@Grenyas]

I've never been a fan of soft tops. It just ruins the look of a car.

[@faisalrahman7]

Agree and I live in London so don't feel safe with a soft top

[@wvjon75]

I agree. I wish my S2000 had a powered hardtop.

[@ThomasFarquhar2]

Eric Ortiz not the Miata

[@junaidzaka2365]

miata is one of the few cars that looks good with a soft top

[@MrSaiLikesPie]

Weight reduction

[@duster497]

I drove both, including the FIAT 124 Abarth. I also briefly owned a silver NA. I've been a convertible and Miata guy my whole life (except for my almost 8 year torrid affair with a FIAT 500 Abarth), but when I drove the RF....I became a 'Hardtop all the way' guy. I already loved the looks of the RF more, but I loved how the cockpit felt with the roof up. I loved pushing that button and watching it fold away, Q Branch style. The amount of open air was a perfect amount, loved the back window that goes down too. Either way, Mazda has perfected the convertible top in both manual and electric, both in soft and hard tops. Kudos.

[@LongSlenderNeck]

All valid points in my opinion, good video. I've test drove both and the wind noise was considerably more in the RF with the roof down due to that B pillar, which is why I bought the soft top instead.

[@guypickrell2011]

All true, but the RF looks very nice. Personally, i'd love to see a fastback (coupe) version.

[@aleddavies770]

Guy Pickrell there probably is but only for sale in Japan

[@zcmdzpp127]

It’s a coupe with hard top up?

[@MisoElEven]

Yeah something like Porsche 911 or even Ferrari 250 gto style roof

[@jamesbarros950]

You can tell when someone does a good review when based on their description, you can decide that you want the opposite of what they want. Thank you for presenting the differences clearly and understandably and helping provide us with good information and equipping us with things to think about on a test drive. :)

[@Glasseh]

The RF is probably easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. Since it would be nicer to drive on the highway (less wind noise, etc), and you won't have to worry about maintaining the soft top. If the Miata is your 2nd or 3rd car, then go with the soft top. If it's your only, or 2nd car, then you're more likely to consider the RF.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yes, I do agree that it's more livable for wind noise. That said, I drove it in below freezing temps, and the hard top was extremely squeaky when cold. Haven't driven the soft top in temps that cold, but I'd imagine the cloth would dampen out the majority of that squeaking.

[@CarltonGauss]

The soft top ND is my only car, and it's perfectly fine on the highway, even doing 70-80 with the windows down. I'd remove the windshield if I could.

[@SimonJArthur]

To be honest it barely has any wind noise. I have a 2002 Miata and even at high way speeds, the only noises are from the tires and engine (both are quite loud tho lmao). Also I believe the soft top version has more boot space. Not 100% sure tho.

[@efvbt]

I've found the soft top to be quieter. The soft top has an aluminum panel under the fabric that cuts most noise, while the hardtop seems to hold in and reverb some noise.

[@richarddietzen3137]

Arthur Simon ND top choice does not affect trunk space.

[@SarahnTuned]

I’m sure the ND will have plenty of clean looking aftermarket removable hardtops in time anyway.

[@yung_richtah]

Sarah -n- Tuned i hope

[@goodeggproductions]

I actually doubt that. The demand for hard tops for NA miatas has never been greater and no one is making clean looking aftermarket tops. OEM tops in "good" condition are routinely selling for 900-1000 and even ones in horrible condition still fetch 600-700. If no one sees the value in creating hard tops for the 200k or so NA Miatas, I seriously doubt any manufacturers will invest in creating one for the 15k or so NDs.

[@spooderman18]

goodeggpro look up DG Motorsports my dude

[@goodeggproductions]

Yep, and it looks silly. Basically looks like a bubble NA top slapped onto the angular and raked look of an ND. All for "only" $1500!!

[@goodeggproductions]

I'm aware of the aftermarket tops available for the older miatas. They're fiberglass, are often just shells with no finish, usually come with a terrible plexi rear window and just generally look like crap. The OEM are the only ones (in my opinion) worth buying. But then, I've never understood the want to put a hardtop on a convertible in the first place.

[@thomastague9359]

The RF is for introverts who want to feel like they have a convertible. Lol slightly more privacy when everyone around you is in f150s. I think it’s nice to have something behind you.

[@Doctor.T.46]

I've owned both and I prefer the hardtop. I love the look and the convenience...and the soundproofing.

[@ag4allgood]

The soft top is quieter than the RF with the top down. I didn't buy my car because I wanted a Lexus quiet ride !

[@NishantDash]

The Only Reason: WEIGHT REDUCTION BROOOOOO!!

[@ALMX5DP]

xHarux3 what do you mean? Are you saying there is a discernible difference between RF and soft top aerodynamics when their tops are up?

[@TucsonDude]

Nah...

[@trevn__]

I see you!!!!!!! KEK

[@Shon304]

weight destribution bro

[@SwarmESEA]

I have an RF. Got lighter wheels & removed the exhaust, I'm already lighter than the soft top.

[@iLupi]

I'm a Hard top/Targa fan XD I can't stand the cloth albeit weight reduction bro!

[@bigfatengineer]

I agree. Soft tops only look good with the top down.

[@spooderman18]

To be honest there is a 3rd party hard top that is only 20ibs and you can still keep the soft top

[@Exevium]

So even a Targa with a soft-top doesn't do it for you? I really like the old Porsche 911 Targa, even though it has a cloth roof.

[@spooderman18]

Sander Kamp I love it don't get me wrong but sometimes it gets annoying to daily trust me. I have an ND myself

[@Kamui..]

where can we find the third party hardtop ?

[@TonyStark-mp6zv]

The RF looks much more "premium"

[@takudzwandhlovu3013]

Insanely appreciate your videos, man. I'm always learning from this channel.

[@AlexeyDubkov]

The main reason I got soft-top is because roof can be fully down and then it feels like convertible. RF doesn't feel like convertible at all.

[@nick-yr7wu]

Alexey Dubkov rf is more like a targa top

[@GRWP]

I have hard top electric roof full convertible NC.... even better

[@Wattfgoogle]

You spoke about the features.. but what about the quirks?

[@TheAdnanmajor]

Bob Saget go to doug’s channel, because this channel is for serious automotive enthusiasts.

[@theanimelibarian7881]

@@TheAdnanmajor yeah he's annoying as hell

[@Em2619]

@@theanimelibarian7881 yeah he is! i stopped watching his videos..........

[@pc3983]

I would take the RF over the soft top anyday , it’s stunning to look at and gives you the best of both worlds 😀👍

[@Sayua-chan]

You'll understand the RF once you live in a cold and wet place.

[@EngineeringExplained]

+Skøut haha, been living in the Northwest for the past 5 years. Cold and wet is the motto!

[@richarddietzen3137]

Skøut Or maybe a hot one with six weeks of heavy pollen. With the RF, there is less excuse for sitting in the garage waiting for “a great day for a convertible.”

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I’m in England, my wife has the ND soft top. I have a baby AMG, the MX-5 is such a great smiles per mile car. I try and use it as much as possible, it’s really like a motorbike but with a nice seat. And when it’s cold and shitty it’s still a nice place to be. Heated seats and great A/C make it comfortable all year round.

[@plojbravo4911]

The RF was the MX-5 I've always desired...and reason I finally purchased one! Since I daily it all year around a soft top isn't really an option IMO. And when it looks that much better too...! :D Those marginal pros with the soft top on a perfect day compared to the all day every day usability with the RF isn't enough of an argument for me. Then you only will want to use it on those days. Now I enjoy my MX-5 RF everyday no matter the weather or the length of the drive, a much bigger win in my book. And the fact that you still can take the top down on those perfect days still is just a plus. ;)

[@ag4allgood]

So far this winter in the cold snowy weather the ND Soft Top Club with Michelin X-Ice I3 snow tires has been a blast to drive ! Even on sub 32 degree days I've been driving with the top down windows up & heater on full high. Being single helps with the space limits inside the car. As a daily driver this works works great for me. The people who have rode shotgun have also commented on how much they like the car. The weather has not stopped me from enjoying this car one bit. I think anybody that is interested in a performance convertible should drive a new MX-5 ND first to compare with the others. Especially a Club model with the Limited Slip Differential plus the package of Brembo brakes / BBS wheels. The car always puts a smile on my face ! I agree that Mazda did a great job engineering that retractable hard top but the soft top has a bigger fun factor.

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

Yeah completely agree

[@WizardTerence]

Hard top is better up , soft top is better down. Better visibility by far on a soft top. And no wind noise behind your left ear in the driver seat. The hard top makes it better for year round and looks pretty great top up from certain angles. Not a fan of hard top up ,looking straight onto the back. But all other angles are good . The hard top is quieter too up also. hard top has wind noise behind your ear above 60 mph when the hard top is down.

[@4U5513alldaWAY]

I've bought one a few months ago and use it on the daily as well, and I agree with you that the RF is just better all round as an everyday sorts car. It's manageable and perfect EVERY DAY compared to only being able to enjoy it on CERTAIN DAYS. I can guarantee the soft top doesn't get the head turns that the RF does lol Also, the RF is better for when you feel like going for a drive when the weather is crap and the roads are quiet - can't do that in the soft top

[@SpacehotelMusic]

Love targa roofs, hate full soft tops (would feel too exposed/flashy for one and for two they kill the lines of any car when the roof goes down). Only thing better than a targa roof is an automatic, self storing electric targa roof like the RF! Car looks less feminine too in RF format, never been interested in any MX5 while they only had soft tops. Well done Mazda!

[@cloudk2088]

Should've just offered a removable Targa top I think. Less components , less weight, but with the advantage of having a hardtop when you're not trying to get baked by the sun. Still an awesome car just a little more compromise for my tastes; but I can appreciate seeing RF's on the road plus the selling point of a retractable hardtop.

[@CarsSimplified]

I would like that, or a non-convertible version.

[@cloudk2088]

Cars Simplified oh man a hardtop fastback version would be so sexy. This car lowered with even the stock wheels and a hardtop would be gorgeous.

[@CarsSimplified]

Indeed it would! Right on. It does have some nice stock wheels.

[@Shrapnel-qy4xi]

SubieSam Better security as well.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

Honestly, been there, done that with the del-sol..... it's not all it's cracked up to be, and that funky space to store it eats into cargo space. Also, Vargas ALWAYS leak. My PHT GT doesn't. (I assume the RF won't as well.)

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

For me I think I'd still go with the RF for a number of reasons. First, this generation is pretty well known for noticeable body roll but the RF has less of it because of that frame across the rear. Less body roll equals more confidence in the corners equals faster corners. Secondly, I would use this car as a daily driver, with a lot of miles spent on the highway. The RF with the top up is significantly quiter which makes a difference when you have the commute that I have (about 50 highway miles each way). Lastly, the cool factor is undeniable. Cloth tops are such a dated feature but that RF is going to turn heads. For me it's a no brainer. RF Club with the Brembo package. But I'm waiting for 2019 for the power bump and the telescoping steering column since I'm 6 ft tall. Good vid man.

[@goddamnit]

Damn, that's a good point! I think I'll have to go with RF, if anything, as well (assuming no PRHT of course)

[@JesseArt]

I'm 6'3" tall... Why do I always want cars I can't fit into? Must have been a cat in my last life or something.

[@JesseArt]

I haven't really checked into them. I do enjoy the classic look though. The trouble I most often have is not enough length in telescoping steering wheels. I have long legs, but average length arms with smallish hands, so I often have a hard time getting the wheel back to where it's comfortable.

[@TimurIskhodzhanov]

I'm 6'4" and I've driven both NDs and they were somewhat comfortable. It did take some time to find the right seating position though. Also check out the 86/BRZ/FRS. They are very roomy and IMO even more fun to drive.

[@bman12three43]

I have that same problem. I drive an older car and the steering wheel only goes up and down, and I have especially long legs so my driving position is basically with my arms straight out :/

[@felipeminelli2045]

Im 7'9 and driving my convertible smart, really comfortable

[@AR-rk9nn]

Gandalf721 those cars are massive now

[@danielthomas2621]

The spirit of mx5 is soft top

[@used2bgordy]

Exactly my points when choosing mx-5. Blind spots and feeling of open space where my major reasons to go soft top.

[@edwardschmitt5710]

I got the 2012 PRHT. Could have got a new one but did not like the t-top effect.

[@nczim]

Thanks for those great points in comparing the soft top and RF. Nice job! Ironically you actually convinced me to go with the the RF. I came across 2 other small differences between the ST and RF: the glove box between the seats is about half the size in the RF (might be a big deal since this space is so small anyway!), and the trunk is a slight bit smaller too in the RF (can't remember the numbers but something like half a cubic foot maybe). Anyway, thanks, this was one of the most concise and yet informative comparisons I have seen. rb.

[@AC-lq4zw]

I plan on getting an ND this year and it will be a soft top. Mostly because the RF seems to be just another thing to go wrong mechanically speaking and i plan on keeping it for many years. If it was just a lease i would get an RF. Sure, cloth tops can wear out, but to me thats more predictable than if your RF gets stuck up or down or even worse, in the middle of being retracted or put up. With the soft top, there's just less to go wrong.

[@charlesbrown179]

I live in a area with a lot of pollen falling down during the year and I can imagine the soft top collecting that stuff, folding and unfolding, creating a little cloud of dust every time I put the top up or down. With the hard top I imagine it would stay on top of the roof a little more and be a lot more manageable. I'm also worried about pollen staining the cloth top and me trying to wash it off.

[@McBeamer94]

I like both of them! The RF is fancier because it has that Batman-like moving hoop on top but had I had to choose, I'd choose the soft-top! No mechanisms, no time to open and close, less weight... Simple solutions are always better! But that requires having a garage to park it, in that respect having an RF or bying a hard top for the Soft-top Miata may be a better solution!

[@ag4allgood]

Not true ! Been driving a 2016 MX - 5 Club soft top in all weather including some of the coldest days thru snow & ice the soft top does a great job of protecting the interior. There is extra care involved in keeping the soft top in good shape though. Not a big deal.

[@VOOODOOO37]

is there alot of road noise? @@ag4allgood

[@ag4allgood]

@@VOOODOOO37 There is more road noise but nothing that would make me say deal breaker. With the top down & windows up there is less noise than the RF with the targa down. The RF is quieter with the roof up.

[@VOOODOOO37]

Awesome, thanks! @@ag4allgood

[@Pilot545]

For those saying, “hard top all the way” I don’t believe have ever driven the soft top. THE NUMBER one selling point of the soft top is, like you said, the ease and speed of putting it up and down. It’s a convertible and I find that I use the top MUCH more than I ever did convertibles with powered tops. Even on short drives to the store. Soft top all the way for me! (I have a 2016 ND Club)

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

How is it easier than pressing a button..

[@cattastroficka196]

@@Daniel-rw2gy it’s the time involved for me. I was at a stop light and decided to put my soft top down knowing I’d get it done before the light changed to green for me. I’m not sure the RF would be done moving by then. My husband likes the looks of the RF better though. Sorry for responding a year after your comment, KZbin just recommended this to me today.

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

@@cattastroficka196 get the smarttop mod for the RF.. it lets you press the button and it auto closes or opens even while moving

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

It's faster until you are screwing around on a 10f degree day and realize that the soft top has shrunk, and is now 2" shy of closing. So you have to run the heater in full blast and sit there for twenty minutes. Thats one of the reasons I bought my (NC) PHT GT. I'm looking at the RF now, only because the reverse baseball cap is getting older, and I wan't something newer. (Its still a fantastic year round car.)

[@Boostlagg]

NC PRHT is the best compromise, it still a pure driving machine and can be had for less than 15k.

[@charlesosbun9381]

Agreed! I drive a silver 2015 PRHT

[@gwingrider07]

2012 SE here. Have had NB NC ND and came back to NC PRHT. Just the best all around Miata! 👍😁

[@miketheyunggod2534]

But, I feel the NC styling is the worst of the bunch.

[@gwingrider07]

You don’t see the outside when you’re driving. Besides styling preference is subjective. I like the NC 2 styling best followed closely by the NA, then NB and lastly the ND. I think the ND looks like a kids toy car. Exaggerated lines much?

[@divusaugstus]

I agree with you - until thePRHT stops working as mine did. Both Mazda dealership and 2 MX5 specialists quoting huge sums to fix a sector gear with a broken tooth. You have buy the entire frame which is over AUD 1000. So for now my MX5 is a coupe only - still a great drivers car and I still enjoy driving it every trip. I do miss the open roadster experience.

[@EnochLight]

This video is 6 years old and I just came here just to say that the RF looks x10 times sexier than the standard soft top. Neither of these cars are true sports cars (I mean seriously, a Chevy Blazer can dust both of them from 0-60), so you're really getting them for the experience - that look and the ride. And by spades, the RF is just a much better looking car. It's on my wish-list. Had a 98' MX-5 Miata (soft top with the hard top accessory; last year they made them with the pop-up lights) and I've missed it every day since I sold it 17 years ago.

[@benhaze1010]

The RF GT in Canada hits $47K (with the Brembo package) which is insane in my opinion. I much prefer the look of the RF but can't stomach its ticket price.

[@waflletoast11]

Drive down to us to get it at a cheaper price.

[@ctvu]

GT with brembo package? the club with brembo is over 35k usd which is 47k canadian

[@eliaschristmas976]

Try second hand

[@truantray]

Used...these cars are well built and reliable, and owners take care of them.

[@Sideways_Singh]

@@ctvu the club and gt with the brembo package cost the exact same because the club gets recaro seats in the package which make it cost more.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

The Most Fun and Semi Affordable cars: Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Ford Fiesta ST Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT86 In no particular order.

[@zacharylagler242]

I'm a hardtop guy, plus living in Canada I'd rather have one than a soft top...

[@AR-1806]

Zachary Lagler Softtop, always, I prefer cabriolets with softtop it just looks more like a cabriolet

[@andrewcumming6319]

To me there is no contest. The soft top convertible every time. The hard top, for all the incredible complexity only opens about a foot of roof!!! Total overkill.

[@midwestmods]

i rock my top down most of the year anyway

[@blazingcrew1086]

dang midwest your miata is clean

[@mistermarkdavis]

Just driving with my top down in the northeast in November.

[@fam4sta611]

Where at?

[@midwestmods]

twin cities minnesota, actually thinking of driving the car through the winter....

[@mistermarkdavis]

midwest mods my winter tires just arrived yesterday. I can’t wait to get them on because it’s under 40 degrees most mornings when I leave for work.

[@gordonhanka8404]

Saved me from making a big mistake. Love my soft top. Thanks.

[@2016Ford]

A coupe version would sell well

[@TrevorEMayo]

The ND hardtop is another indication Mazda has lost its way and continues to see declining overall sales. The majority of the customer base (not necessarily the most vocal, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable) weren't seeking a vehicle which looks like a Corvette sports car. If this quiet majority customer wanted a hardtop convertible the folks wanted a vehicle which actually looks completely like a ragtop when the top is down. The strong influence of the race car orientated engineering team with their "cute" car inferiority complex has gone overboard with styling making this car a very expensive niche product. I bet the quiet majority of consumers who want a power HT feel an opportunity was missed on what is otherwise a fine vehicle.

[@Tangsters]

The hardtop, looks more like a T-top (without the middle) I’m with you, soft top for me!

[@nickscapellato8248]

I definitely believe the added 130lbs or so on the back helps with the car's stability, mainly the rear feeling planted but I also recall reading that Mazda retuned the suspension on the RF (regardless of trim) to eliminate some of that body lean and tossability that the soft top exhibits. Any thoughts on that?

[@Dr.IanPlect]

Yes, thoughts! - they only increased the rear spring rates in line with the additional weight - therefore, it wasn't 'retuned the suspension on the RF (regardless of trim) to eliminate some of that body lean and tossability that the soft top exhibits' - the overall wallowyness remains the same and was also deliberate; Mazda wanted the sensation of knowing you were pushing on etc.

[@ag4allgood]

@@Dr.IanPlect Agree with your view Dr. Yea the way the back tires let loose is the way you know you hit a limit. It actually teaches you to be a better driver by letting up on the gas or giving it more gas will quickly correct the rear end. The weight & price penalty of the RF is not worth it as my Club soft top is quicker off the line than the RF.

[@daskydiver56]

YAY, 5'5" FTW

[@iLupi]

It would definitely be better if the hard top went all the way down. But the answer in this case is you win either way, because Miata =V A new NSX targa would be interesting. I like the older ones but still it'd be cool to see on a newer NSX as well. May help them sell a few more.

[@after_midnight9592]

All the cars with completely folding metal roofs, are very phat ass ugly looking. This is the best solution. Small structure to remove, makes the back end design look really good, roof up or down. It's the best compromise.

[@iLupi]

Gregor Zorc some look nice and sleek. Not all but some look better.

[@-Sirens-]

I want a 2019 RF more power to negate the extra 113lbs for the roof and you get the backup camera which helps with the blind spot from the pillars in parking lots.

[@dootscat3798]

How durable is the soft top for those living in the snow belt?

[@wetfloor9992]

Looks like im going for a hard top, being from a tropical country, heat is going to be factor to consider for me.

[@kipp4805]

Only reason I'd take the soft top over the RF is price. The car starts at 25, the RF starts at 35k. That's a lot of money for a hardtop.

[@RationallySkeptical]

Btw, I've owned 2 Miata's and they both came with removable hard-tops in addition to the soft top. That's the best of both worlds. Do they not offer removable hard tops any more?

[@paulnewman9275]

The RF looks ok but it's failure to be a true convertible is a deal breaker - more of a targa really. The soft top is not that noisy thanks to the metal panel in the main section and down it looks so much better than the RF. Mazda have to be careful, they are pushing the price up into a dangerous area, they sold well as great cars, fun , but also relatively inexpensive. Had mine for a few years now and it's been great, even a drive from Croatia to UK in one go (19 hours) proved no problem and I'm 115 kg so no shrimp!

[@Shon304]

the soft top will get leaky in 5 years, just like every mx5

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I had the top down in the rain in mine anyways.

[@DanieltheTruebadour]

Another thing, if you really want the tail to break, if you really want to fling it, you want it to happen at a lower, hence, safer speed. More fun, I'd think. One more plus for the softie. I'm an OF, and at almost 74, I'm all in for comfort. But if comfort is what I'm after, Miata's not the choice -- no convertible is. The virtues of a rag top trump those of any form of hardtop. Rag Rules! On the other hand, gimme an ought eight MX5, without all that junk behind me ear, and, no contest. BoBW.(Best of both worlds).

[@surfnet3804]

I own an RF and 2 cheap things that makes the car even better and pretty cheap to do. Remove the clear plastic wind deflector for better, more open top like air flow(it just pops out/lift it up). 2nd buy the mods4cars SmartTop controller for the hard top to remove the limitations put on by Mazda.

[@SpadajSpadaj]

Yes. The SmartTop is the first thing RF owner should but. With it you wonder why the hell didn't Mazda do it on their own in the first place.

[@tmorris413]

Can you give us a link and describe what it does?

[@Josh101]

I wish the ND had taken the same approach as the NC's power retractable hard top. I'm not a big fan of the NC but they absolutely nailed the power hard top.

[@alexander1055]

what does ND and NC stand for?

[@AbdulrahmanAteya]

@@alexander1055 first gen Miata (flippy headlights): NA Second gen: NB Third gen: NC Fourth gen: ND

[@alexander1055]

@@AbdulrahmanAteya Thanks, I thought NA stands for naturally aspirated.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

@@alexander1055 it does in allbother cars but miata

[@slick1g6]

I would own a Miata already except I’m back and forth about the soft top vs hard top I can’t make up my mind lol

[@t.k.morris]

Did you ever buy one? Since 2 years ago. Or did you buy something different?

[@RayFliesAway]

I knew you explain well about cars, I didnt know you also drive well.🤭👍

[@Errr717]

The RF is not a convertible; like he said, it feels and (I know it looks) like you just took the top off. I still have a 10th Anniversary Edition as my daily driver.

[@icebreakertech]

I life in The Netherlands, it rains a lot so yeah I prefer the RF. We do get the 2.0 RF with a LSD and bilstein suspension. If you only use it in the summer, get the softtop.

[@aoshi1992]

icebreakertech acid

[@JukenBeast]

If it wasn't for the RF I wouldn't be driving an MX-5...Soft top just looks and feels cheap to me and there was too much road noise with top up on soft top...

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Well I put glass packs on my tundra so i love noise

[@lordzed83]

For Me Mx5 RF is car to buy as I HATE SOFT TOPS thats why got 350z instead of s2000. And was not even considering Mx5 its first one I LOVE

[@jazzi11xa]

I agree.. soft top gives you the feel of being more open.. that is the essence of getting a convertible.. but the rf just looks cooler.. especially when the roof retracts.. gives you transformer vibes

[@tomrobie4374]

I will take a full time non removable steel roof MX5. It's lighter, stronger, faster, cheaper to build, no leaks or tears, safer, and carefree than all. But too bad Mazda don't listen. For that reason it won't be my next purchase.

[@abc68130]

Reason I personally prefer the soft top: I can't afford the RF and have a need to validate my decisions that's a lot stronger than any rational thought I could have on this topic.

[@TheeeDanielR]

Christopher Beer lol

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

Most people "prefer" the soft top for the same reasons. Just for the -3k price. The hard top is much better in almost every way. For one, it is like buying 2 cars, one non-convertible coupe with the top up, one cabriolet with the top down. Second, you have more freedom to park it anywhere with the hard top and not fear vandalism. Third, it is better in the winter, and not every occasion is suitable for the top down. It is also more predictable and safe to drive. It is just better. People just need reasons to save money.

[@TheMainMan318]

Hate that this one has even LESS headroom than the soft top. I cannot fit in this one at all. The soft top just barely.

[@nerad1994]

TheMainMan318 how tall are you? 6”2?

[@rustynuts4426]

Totally agree! My NC hardtop gives me that immersive experience and I wouldn't want to lose that. Then you close the roof and it becomes a fighter jet cockpit. God I love my car!

[@edwardschmitt5710]

Me too!!!!

[@doug5uk]

I am keeping my 2012 Sport Tech because I like the hard top option but I think the rf design looks silly on a small sports car.

[@Jimmy_Jam1020]

Top three reasons to got the soft top for me: 1. Less wieght 2. Cheaper ( 3kish dollars less) 3. Better visibility with the top down ( car feels more like a convertible )

[@gamwpanagia]

I'd like a non convertible mx5 🙁

[@stillnottellingyoumyname8193]

gamwpanagia Then dont put the roof down. I can't stand convertibles I think they're hideous. But I'll prolly buy this, the veloster or the mazda3 hatch

[@DrewLSsix]

Import an NB coupe....

[@alexvillalobos7137]

imnottellingyoumyname fuckoff I hate convertibles too but I thought no there’s some cars that look pretty good convertible and like have to be convertible like miatas minis but targa tops are better

[@ralphlongo1975]

First thing I wondered, was why bother with a hardtop convertible. People that want convertibles, want the soft top. May as well leave out the weight of the mechanics of the top.

[@SamDunham]

The hardtop NC outsold the ragtop. That said, I greatly prefer my ragtop. Were I buying one now, I'd opt for the RF.

[@michaelperry6259]

I’m thinking about wanting a Miata for my first car ;D

[@thomasmancuso8805]

Why do you look like Benedict Cumberbatch with that hat?

[@cole3835]

Thomas Mancuso You mean Bumblebee Crabstickmatch?

[@AaronAnonymous]

Sir Eggs Benedict Cabbagepatch the IV

[@KingdomOfMog1]

What about Wimbledon Tennismatch?

[@GodMaxDrinkerofTea]

Bernhardt cucumberpatch

[@JuanGarcia-fv9ph]

I would highly disagree bc you have the windows up bro😂 of course it feels disconnected roll them bitches down! And take out that silly wind deflector from the back and youll love it

[@rompemotores1]

I have the 2019 sport soft top (love it) and I don't even see the RF attractive and by the way is a little expensive.

[@juniyahh]

I think the soft top looks better imo

[@blackburd]

Things you left out: RF looks amazing in person. Cloth top looks like crap, especially with sun fade which we get down in Texas. Road noise. Having owned a convertible before this is huge to me. sometimes I want some peace and quiet. The hard top will wear better with age. 15 or 20 years from now you can polish that top and it will still look great.

[@truthbetold9742]

I LOVE THE HARDTOP! No issues down the road with cloth nor constant replacement etc.

[@100rats2]

You don't have to constantly replace the soft top

[@aygwm]

I would prefer an old fashioned coupe. I don’t appreciate convertibles, at all. This is coming from an NA Miata owner.

[@adamsribwoman2080]

I have a 2020 version and I love love love it!

[@patrickd1805]

Hard top is way looker and safer and doesn’t cost two grand to Replace when it rips.

[@Beth8121]

What about when the motor goes out?

[@riccardogavanelli1076]

As a owner of the RF, I can assure.. I embarrassed myself multiple times in roundabouts with this car... IT IS tail happy LOL (or most probably, I suck at driving it in the wet with no TC) P.S. your reviews are the most precise I see on KZbin. The majority of reviews state that the headroom in the RF is more, but you're the only one I saw that correctly states the reduced headroom in the RF. Thumbs up for your precise and scientific approach to everything.

[@jorgeantoniotorrico7105]

I don’t think you suck, I bet you use to drive either a front wheel drive or a heavier rear wheel drive car. This car is really predictable you just need to take it a couple times to the track until you get the gist.

[@allenbercero3661]

In my country, where it's scorching hot during the day and very dusty, and not to mention lots of thieves if you're not careful where you park, a hard top is more reasonable

[@ag4allgood]

Great review & your review of the ST ND Club ( calling it one of the best cars under $50,000 ) was one of the reasons for my test drive ! I bought the 2016 ND Club with Brembo brakes / BBS wheels. The RF was never at the dealer because every one of them was already sold off the truck at my Mazda dealer, that was in 2017 March soon after the RF Launch. So glad that choice was not available to me ( except to wait & pay way more $$$ over the ST) ! The Soft Top is so much better with the top down. In the RF the wind hits the back roof line & causes wind turbulence which makes it not only more enclosed but louder than the ST top down. This is the way Miatas were meant to be driven .... top down ! So much more fun in the ST ! I also enjoy the tail coming lose which snaps back with throttle applied , easy to control. Top up its noisy but I've also read complaints from RF owners about whistling wind noises when on the highway above 65 mph. Performance was the reason I bought this car & the Club delivers such driving thrills. I agree you can't go wrong with either but performance is in the ST ! Snow tires are on / Weather tech mats in ... ready for the 1st winter in a convertible ever ! Thanks EE !

[@BoostedPastime]

I dislike rag tops because they leak and break. I'm not crazy about retractable hard tops Because they have more parts to break.

[@nickypollet]

The 2019 Mx5 does have telescopic adjustment of the steering wheel ;-)

[@LorenzoNW]

If you live in Seattle, hard top is definitely the way to go. Homelessness + drug addiction + mental illness + a corrupt and inept city and county government = a slashed soft top, regardless of whether all valuables are removed or the doors are left unlocked.

[@matt_b...]

Ok first off, I want my beanie back. Second, did you just try to quantify subjective qualities between a hard top convertible and soft top convertible in a manner only an engineer could achieve? Bravo :)

[@drticzon]

I bought my daughter the RF as a college graduation gift. I wanted the RF for the security.

[@kennymurillo3608]

As someone who professionally races this car and helped develop the car, awesome video. Love this thing to death

[@vice4134]

It will always be MIATA to me, not MX5.

[@thecaffeinateddrunk7394]

PHIL!!!!!

[@rembo183]

The older version in the NC with the PRHT is best because you get both the hard top experience and a complete convertible experience. Plus it’s fast enough and fun. In addition you can get a great deal. Used clean examples are so affordable. You can get a 2008 PRHT GT with the Bose and leather for only $10k! What’s your opinion as opposed to spending $30 for a new Club ND MX-5.

[@davelowery2992]

Wish they made them with a fixed hardtop.

[@iLupi]

Dave Lowery that would be a nice choice too I agree.

[@yung_richtah]

yess :(

[@CarltonGauss]

It would be better looking than the RF too, because they wouldn't need that vertical rear window anymore. They could make it a fastback.

[@DrewLSsix]

Dave Lowery. Buy an NB coupe.

[@AnArmoredMarch]

That kinda goes against everything the miata is about though. Its supposed to be a lightweight, low powered british style roadster, and thats what it is. Making it a hard top is just kind of killing the roadster thing that started the car in the first place Its sort of like making a FWD silvia or a RWD civic. It could make a cool project but it ruins what the car actually is

[@patrick6110]

Isn't the hard top safer though? Also soft tops are prone to vandalism. I wish car testers would reveal their height and weight so that we can better understand their experience.

[@TheOtherNEO]

How would the reliability of the hard top stack up to the soft top? I'm thinking about harsh climates where the sun bakes the tonneau covers to pieces in a short time. Here in the Middle East I see lots of one year old cars with soft tops held together with duct tape.

[@DrewLSsix]

Neil Bezuidenhout. Keep it down, out of the sun.

[@DrewLSsix]

thatallredheadude. I imagine the hard top will be prone to some mechanical issues over time though. I love Mazdas but their electrics can be dodgy after 10+ years. And the machinery of a hard top like this tends to be expensive to fix.

[@Gruuvin1]

Five reasons for a hard top: Looks better Better security Quieter Perfect weight distribution Looks better

[@F16_viper_pilot]

Looks better?? Meh, not to me. Loses that classic Miata look. They used to have a hardtop that completely disappeared between the trunk and seats, and that was nice.

[@Gruuvin1]

@@F16_viper_pilot I think this last generation mx5 looks better than all the others

[@F16_viper_pilot]

@@Gruuvin1 Maybe the soft top version, which I haven’t seen, but the hardtop version is ugly and loses the character of the Miata. The prior hardtop that completely disappeared into the body was much nicer. This thing is no longer a convertible and is unrecognizable as a Miata.

[@Gruuvin1]

@@F16_viper_pilot LoL @ your subjective opinion. That last-gen RF is the best looking Miata ever (also a subjective opinion). Mazda is selling a LOT of them, so apparently many others agree!

[@F16_viper_pilot]

@@Gruuvin1 lol…here, I’ll settle this real quick: Do you own one? My ex and I had a used blue ‘95. I later got a red ‘97. I now have a competition yellow ‘09 that still looks new. And you have? Yeah, that’s what I thought.😂